Faults of the distributor rotor

• mechanical damage to the rotor;
• rotor melting;
• oxidation of the high-voltage contact;
• jamming of rotor;
• increased resistance of the rotor;
• burnout resistor;
• wrong frequency of the rotor rotation.

Symptoms of the distributor rotor failure

• sudden engine stalling;
• interruptions in the engine operation in all modes;
• engine speed dips;
• hindered start of the vehicle;
• jerks while driving;
• engine wobble at high rpms.

Causes of the distributor rotor malfunctions

• prolonged exposure to high temperatures;
• breach of the electrical circuit;
• getting soot on the high voltage contacts;
• abrupt change of voltage in the system.

Diagnostics

To evaluate the performance of the distributor rotor it is necessary to measure its operating resistance. To do this, connect it into an electrical circuit on a measuring stand and set the ohmmeter. Standard rotor resistance for contactless ignition systems is 1 kOhm, and for contact ones is 5-6 kOhms. Also be sure to check the resistor condition.

Testing of the rotor can be made as follows: pull the center wire from the cover of the ignition distributor and with the running ignition bring it to the conductive pins of the rotor at a distance of 3 mm. If the spark appears at the opening of the contact, the rotor is out of order.

At a visual inspection of the part you should check it for cracks and the condition of the contacts. If required, the contacts must be cleaned of plaque or oxide.

You should also evaluate the gap between the carbon contact and the rotor. If it is larger than one millimeter, then the operation will lead to intense burning of carbon contact.

The clearance between the contacts of the rotor must be not more than 0.45 mm.

Replacement of the ignition distributor rotor

Repair of the distributor rotor is not carried out. This is a consumable item, so it is only to be replaced.

To install the new part you need to unscrew the fastening of the distributor and remove the cover. Then gently pull the rotor upwards (so as not to damage the contacts) to remove.

If at the rotor installation guides were damaged, full replacement of the ignition distributor is required.

Ignition distributor rotor finder for

• BMW 5 Saloon (E60)
• VW Golf IV Hatchback (1J1)
• VW GOLF VI (5K1)
• HONDA Jazz II Hatchback (GD_, GE3, GE2)
• NISSAN MICRA III (K12)
• FORD MONDEO III (B5Y)
• HONDA CIVIC VII Hatchback (EU, EP, EV)
• VW Transporter IV Van (70A, 70H, 7DA, 7DH)